Kwashiorkor is a type of malnutrition characterized by severe protein deficiency. It causes fluid retention and a swollen, distended abdomen. Kwashiorkor most commonly affects children, particularly in developing countries with high levels of poverty and food insecurity.
Kwashiorkor: The Bloated Bellies of Malnourished People. Although many forms of undernutrition, as well as malnutrition, can manifest in a characteristic big abdomen, Kwashiorkor is the most commonly known form of malnutrition with this symptom.
Kwashiorkor is a condition resulting from inadequate protein intake. Early symptoms include fatigue, irritability, and lethargy. As protein deprivation continues, one sees growth failure, loss of muscle mass, generalized swelling (edema), and decreased immunity. A large, protuberant belly is common.
This causes the contents of the abdomen to bulge out making the abdomen swollen. Legs are swollen due to edema. This is caused due to lack of vital nutrients. These two symptoms are seen in children with severe malnutrition.
Gastrointestinal function
Adequate nutrition is important for preserving GI function: chronic malnutrition results in changes in pancreatic exocrine function, intestinal blood flow, villous architecture and intestinal permeability.
Kwashiorkor is characterized by peripheral edema in a person suffering from starvation. Edema results from a loss of fluid balance between hydrostatic and oncotic pressures across capillary blood vessel walls.
Edema is caused by nutrient deficiencies and imbalances, with vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B-6, magnesium, and zinc being common vitamins and minerals that have an effect on symptoms.
Deprived of protein, the body essentially has no energy to carry out these seemingly menial metabolic processes. This pooled liquid in the gut impels it to bloat, while the retained fluid in the tissues spurs edema.
Bloating can be the result of a delay in the emptying of food in the stomach. This means that the food takes longer to process through the body, an effect seen often in people with eating disorders.. Acid reflux or vomiting can occur which suggest a need to work on nourishing your body so these symptoms are minimized.
Undernutrition may look like: Low body weight, prominent bones, depleted fat and muscle. Thin arms and legs with edema (swelling with fluid) in your belly and face. Stunted growth and intellectual development in children.
Manning says it's likely your stomach is searching for something to digest because you should actually be eating a meal. But because you're not, your body instead creates gas that leads to bloat.
People who regularly eat and drink more calories than they burn each day are more likely to gain extra weight, including belly fat. Getting older also makes a difference. People lose muscle as they age. And the problem is worse for those who are not physically active.
Certain nutrient deficiencies can contribute to digestive upset and bloating. The most common nutrient deficiencies that are linked to bloating are zinc, magnesium, molybdenum and thiamin. If you are unsure which nutrients you may be deficient in, work with a Clinical Nutritionist or Naturopath.
Do you know that one of the most vital nutrients that promote bone health is Vitamin D? Yes, multiple studies show that a deficiency of this vitamin can lead to joint pain and swelling.
Why do malnourished children have big bellies? Many types of malnutrition cause a build-up of fluid in a child's body, often in their abdomen, which gives them a swollen, bloated appearance.
Three grades of severity are distinguished: oedema + is defined as a mild oedema on both feet/ankles; oedema ++ is a moderate oedema on feet and lower legs, hands or lower arms; and oedema +++ is severe oedema generalized to feet, legs, hands, arms and face (2,3).
Stages of starvation
Phase one: When meals are skipped, the body begins to maintain blood sugar levels by degrading glycogen in the liver and breaking down stored fat and protein. The liver can provide glucose for the first few hours. After that, the body begins to break down fat and protein.
Malnutrition Warning Signs
Some common malnutrition signs and symptoms to look for include: Increased weight loss. Lack of muscle mass. Swollen stomach (called Kwashiorkor)
Symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, and weight loss. Or, you may have no symptoms. To diagnose the cause of the problem, your doctor may do blood tests and a nutritional assessment. Treatment may include replacing the missing nutrients and treating the underlying cause.
The median time to recovery from severe acute malnutrition was 15 days (95% CI 14, 15). The highest incidence of recovery was observed at 15–20 days (20.06 per 100 child days' observations) followed by 20–25 days (13.63 per 100 child days' observations).